South East breaking News
It was a gathering of the Creme de la creme at Umuahia the capital city of Abia,as the late first military Head of State,Major -General Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi’s 60th memorial anniversary was marked.
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Rtd, described Major-General Aguiyi-Ironsi as a patriot whose life was dedicated to the progress and unity of Nigeria, and who assumed leadership at a time of immense political uncertainty.
“Nigeria remains grateful for the invaluable sacrifices made by your distinguished son, husband, and father in the service of our fatherland.
“General Aguiyi-Ironsi was an outstanding professional soldier whose military career was marked by disciplined courage, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to duty.
“His assumption of leadership came at a time when Nigeria faced immense political uncertainty and national anxiety. Although his tenure was brief, he demonstrated a firm commitment to preserving national unity, restoring stability and maintaining the integrity of the Nigerian State.
“As we reflect on his legacy today, we are reminded that nation building is a continuous responsibility that transcends generations. The values of patriotism, discipline, selfless service, integrity, and national unity, which General Aguiyi-Ironsi exemplified, remain as relevant today as they were 60 years ago,” President Tinubu stated.
Continuing,the representative of President Tinubu at the event held at International Conference Centre Umuahia,further appreciated Nigerians’ commitment to the ideals that bind the nation together as one people. He urged citizens to continue to see the country’s diversity as one of its greatest strengths and commended Governor Alex Otti for his hard work, visionary leadership, and commitment to good governance in Abia State.
“His Excellency, our hardworking Governor, I want to say a very big thank you for all the good works you have been doing.
“You have set a standard of governance and it is a challenge for all others to follow, to see how it is done seamlessly, without any noise, and things continue to change.
We appreciate you, sir. I’m looking forward to coming to celebrate during your inauguration for the second term,” General Musa stated.
Speaking at the event Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, called for sincere national unity among Nigerians ,merit-based leadership irrespective of tribe and patriotism.
He described the late Major-General J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi as a selfless leader whose sacrifice should continue to inspire generations of Nigerians.
He noted that Aguiyi-Ironsi’s willingness to lay down his life in service to Nigeria demonstrated uncommon patriotism, selflessness, while stressed the need for Nigeria to remain one indivisible nation united by a common purpose and shared destiny.
“We came here to celebrate a man who gave his life for the rest of us. Personally, I believe we are better off as one country, connected and working together, than divided,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor further noted that his administration has continued to promote merit over ethnicity. He said appointments into key positions in Abia State are based on competence, integrity, and capacity rather than State of origin, citing the appointment of an indigene of Edo State as the current Head of Service of Abia State as proof of his administration’s commitment to meritocracy and inclusiveness.
Governor Otti paid glowing tribute to former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,whom he described as a father and mentor, and to Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, for their enduring support and commitment to preserving the nation’s history. He announced that the State would join in celebrating Chief Obasanjo’s 90th birthday on March 5, 2027.
Speaking at the event the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,said there were many black days in the history of Nigeria,added that he believed that it is because of these black days in the history of Nigeria that some people decided that history should not be studied in Nigerian schools,pointing out “that in his days school history was compulsory because the purpose to forget history or to ignore history is to lose memory and if you lose your memory , you will not even remember what you ate last night and what purpose will that serve. We should remember history to learn the right lessons from history”
He described the event of 29th July when Aguiyi Ironsi was assassinated as one of the black days in the history of Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to learn from those black days,as well as to be inspired for the good of Nigeria,noting “that most of the black days what they do was to destroyed, separated and this is not good for us but we can learn the right lesson and draw inspiration for inclusion, cooperation and for bringing together and I believe that what occasion like this is”
He thanked the entire family of Aguiyi Ironsi for organising the occasion and commended Gov. Otti for the transformations going on in the State under his leadership.
In their separate speeches the former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Onyeabo Ihejirika, Rtd.; and the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, expressed profound joy and satisfaction over the gathering of eminent Nigerians to honour the late General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi.
They described the occasion as a fitting tribute to a distinguished patriot who paid the supreme price in active service to the nation. They commended Governor Otti for supporting initiatives that promote national unity, peace, and historical remembrance. They noted that commemorating the sacrifices of heroes such as General Aguiyi-Ironsi would inspire future generations to embrace selfless service, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria.
They called for unity among Nigerians and to uphold the values for which the late military leader stood for throughout his lifetime.
Presenting the citation of the late Major-General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, Mrs. Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi described her father as a true nationalist whose leadership was anchored on discipline, meritocracy, patriotism, and the professionalisation of the Armed Forces. She noted that the wreath-laying ceremony was a solemn tribute to honour a life devoted to the service of Nigeria and to preserve the legacy of a leader who made the ultimate sacrifice for national unity.
She added that the ceremony reflects respect for sacrifice made in the cause of nation building and not to glorify conflict or remember a negative past.
“This gathering is not intended for mere performance of ceremonial rites. Today, we do not assemble to reopen old debates nor to magnify historical divisions.
“This commemoration therefore serves a dual purpose. First, it stands as a solemn tribute to his personal sacrifice and steadfast commitment to a united Nigeria.
Second, it is a clarion call to present and future leaders to draw inspiration from that commitment. The Nigerian aspiration must be anchored on justice, accountability, discipline, and the collective good,” she stated.
In a vote of thanks, the first son of the family and former Minister of Defence, Ambassador Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, thanked the President and Governor Otti for the event. He noted that Governor Otti has performed exceptionally well in governance and deserves a second term in office.
The laying of wreaths by the President’s representative, Governor Otti, the representative of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Commissioner for Information of Anambra State, Dr. Law Mefor, former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, and other dignitaries was done earlier at the Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Centre Finbarrs Road Umuahia and special prayers were conducted by the Bishop of the Umuahia Catholic Diocese,Most Rev.Michael Kalu Ukpong.
